Adaptation of Jasimuddin's “Kabor” on ATN Bangla

A scene from Kabor

Palli-kobi Jasimuddin's poignant elegy Kabor has been adapted several times for theatre and dance-drama. Now actor-director Shahiduzzaman Selim is making a single episode TV play based on Kabor.
In the play, through a 'dramatic monologue', a grandfather -- looking over his wife's grave -- narrates the tragic experiences of losing near and dear ones to his grandson.
The sole intention however, is not just to narrate stories of “death”. The elderly character also emphasises his passion for the loved ones. And these cherished memories as well as his emotions at the parting of the family members have been presented in flashback scenes.
On the reason behind the adaptation, Selim said, “Khorshed Alam (producer of the play) approached me to help him in making a video for a recitation of Kabor. I offered to make a TV play instead.”
“Making a TV play based on familiar literary works like Kabor can be quite challenging. Synchronising the rhythm of the poem with the dramatisation was tough. However, I have tried to maintain the authenticity of the poem. I've added a scene in the beginning of the play -- an elderly man taking his grandson to his native village -- to make it relevant to the urban viewers. Syed Musharraf has written the script,” said Selim.
Litu Anam, Khorshed Alam, Lara Lotus, Didan and others play the lead roles in Kabor.
Kabor will be aired on November 2 at 8 pm on ATN Bangla.